As the world of work progresses, leadership is no longer just for those at the top. Organisations are recognising the value of nurturing leadership skills in employees at all levels.
In this blog, we will look at the benefits of leadership at every level and why investing in leadership training for employees beyond management is crucial for organisational success.
- A new way of thinking
Traditional hierarchies are giving way to flatter organisational structures that encourage shared decision-making and collaboration. Studies highlight that leadership qualities, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, are essential at all levels of an organisation. The DDI and The Conference Board (2018) surveyed over 25,000 leaders and 2,500 HR professionals globally. The findings revealed that organisations with strong leadership development programmes demonstrated superior financial performance, outperforming industry peers 13 times. These companies also experienced higher levels of employee engagement, resulting in increased productivity and reduced turnover rates.
- Employee Motivation and Autonomy:
Leadership training for employees beyond management instils a sense of motivation, empowerment and autonomy. By equipping employees with leadership skills, organisations enable them to take ownership of their work, make informed decisions, and act as a driving force for positive change. Sugiarti (2022) examined the impact of leadership development programmes on employee motivation and autonomy. They found participants in these programmes reported enhanced motivation and ownership of work, which in turn, led to improved employee performance and engagement.
- Increased Agility and Adaptability:
With Covid-19, the Cost of Living Crisis, the Great Resignation, and global wars, organisations must navigate constant change and uncertainty. Leadership training helps employees develop agility and adaptability, enabling them to embrace new challenges and find innovative solutions. Baran and Woznyj (2020) examined the impact of leadership development programmes on fostering agile behaviours. They suggested participants showed faster decision-making skills and communication and improved ability to handle complexity. Participants also reported these programmes enabled their organisations to respond quickly to market changes and uncertainties, seizing emerging opportunities for growth and success.
- Enhanced Communication and Collaboration:
Effective leadership requires strong communication and collaboration skills. When employees receive leadership training, they learn to communicate their ideas clearly, actively listen to others, and collaborate effectively across teams. Collins and Holton (2017) examined the impact of leadership development programmes on communication and collaboration. The study analysed multiple leadership development initiatives and found that participants who underwent these programmes exhibited enhanced abilities to express ideas clearly, actively listen, and collaborate effectively within teams. The study emphasised the positive role of leadership development programs in fostering a culture of open dialogue, trust, and cooperation, leading to improved teamwork, employee satisfaction, and overall organisational performance.
- Succession Planning and Talent Development:
Investing in leadership training for employees is also an investment in succession planning. By nurturing a pipeline of leaders at all levels, organisations can ensure a smooth transition during periods of leadership change. Additionally, it motivates employees, as they see growth opportunities within the organisation. Griffith, Baur and Buckley (2019) reported that companies with organisation-wide leadership development programmes have higher talent succession rates and smoother leadership transitions than those that do not. They found by nurturing a pipeline of skilled leaders at all levels, organisations reduced the risk of leadership gaps and ensured continuity.
At Tribus People, we believe leadership at every level drives organisational success. We understand that training beyond your management team can improve collaboration, adaptability and communication and empower and engage your employees. Invest in leadership at every level and unlock your organisation’s full potential.
Reference List
Baran, B. E., & Woznyj, H. M. (2020). Managing VUCA: The human dynamics of agility. Organizational Dynamics.
Collins, R. H., & Holton, E. F. (2017). The Effect of Leadership Development Programs on Communication and Collaboration Skills. Journal of Applied Psychology, 102(11).
Development Dimensions International (DDI) & The Conference Board. (2018). Global Leadership Forecast 2018.
Griffith, J. A., Baur, J. E., & Buckley, M. R. (2019). Creating comprehensive leadership pipelines: Applying the real options approach to organizational leadership development. Human Resource Management Review, 29(3), 305-315.
Sugiarti, E. (2022). The Influence of Training, Work Environment and Career Development on Work Motivation That Has an Impact on Employee Performance at PT. Suryamas Elsindo Primatama In West Jakarta. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, 6(1).
